The Bureau of Meteorology has created a tropical cyclone forecast to improve weather event preparedness in Australia.

The seven-day forecast provides detailed information and extra lead time to help emergency services and the community prepare sooner for the impacts of tropical cyclones. The Bureau says it is easy-to-follow and available through its website. 

Bureau Tropical Cyclone Team Leader Andrew Burton says it shows the likely location of any significant tropical low, and the likelihood of development into a tropical cyclone, up to seven days in advance. 

"This will help businesses incorporate tropical cyclone hazard information into their own business systems and processes,” Mr Burton said. It will “benefit all Australians by providing more lead time to plan for an event”. 

The service covers Australia's area of responsibility for tropical cyclones and all Australian communities, including coastal waters and land areas, Christmas Island, Cocos Islands, Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island. 

It features improved risk information, a summary of the potential for tropical cyclone development and descriptions about tropical low and cyclone behaviour.

The Bureau will continue to issue Tropical Cyclone Advice and Tropical Cyclone Forecast Track Maps whenever one is likely to cause damaging winds over Australian communities within 48 hours.

October to April is the peak time in Australia for tropical cyclones, as well as heatwaves, bushfires, flooding and severe thunderstorms.

See the new tool here.